Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye fined by Alan Pardew for trying to force through move to Arsenal

Yohan Cabaye has been fined two weeks wages by Newcastle United manager Alan
Pardew for going on strike during the transfer window, but he is keen for
that to finally close a controversial chapter in the midfielder’s career.

Going nowhere: Newcastle have fined Yohan Cabaye after the midfielder went on strikePhoto: ACTION IMAGES

Cabaye missed two Premier League games against Manchester City and West Ham United, as well as a Capital One Cup tie at Morecambe, as he refused to play in a bid to force Newcastle to accept an offer from Arsenal.

Newcastle rejected a bid of £10.2 million on the day of their opening game of the season against Man City and Cabaye’s behaviour cast an ominous shadow over a comprehensive 4-0 defeat.

Cabaye, who apologised to supporters earlier this week, continued to stay on strike even after Arsenal failed to improve their bid, and while Pardew has been kind by refusing to ostracise the former Lille star, that, as revealed by Telegraph Sport on Aug 26, did not spare him internal disciplinary action.

Cabaye is thought to have been fined two weeks wages – around £80,000 – and Pardew hopes he will continue to repair the damage done to his relationship with fans.

“He been a disciplined for his actions,” said Pardew, who named Cabaye in his starting line-up against Aston Villa last Saturday for the first time this season.

“He accepted that in good faith and therefore we move. As far as I'm concerned, especially on Saturday if our 51,000 fans or whatever it is, give him the support he now deserves for at least apologising and taking the punishment that came with it.

"It had to come for the players here and players elsewhere. Until the contract is signed with another club there is a responsibility to the club you're at. He accepted that in good faith and he was brilliant last week.”

Cabaye had been a difficult character in the dressing room towards the end of last season, making no secret of his desire to quit the club as the Magpies slipped into a relegation battle.

That infuriated some of his team-mates and former goalkeeper Steve Harper admitted to Telegraph Sport that he was one of those who questioned his attitude and commitment as Newcastle narrowly avoided the drop.

Having apologised and accepted his fine, Cabaye must know prove he is willing to give his all to the team again and not start agitating to leave when the January window approaches.

“He's a fantastic player, not just for us, but for France,” added Pardew.

“I know he will have a great season. His performance last week spoke a thousand words. He didn't really need to do that [apologise] during the week in terms of winning over the fans. His performances and his endeavour will do that.

“What Newcastle fans want to see is him pulling that shirt on and giving everything he's got. He did that against Aston Villa.

"It's now dead and gone and we just want, and I want, Yohan to perform to the best of his ability. He's been brilliant again this week. Trust me he’s a fabulous player and very important to us.”